I’ve been on quite a journey battling cancer, and now I’m feeling burnt out, which has led me to consider changing my major to something that truly reflects my passion. I’m 21 and initially set out to be a veterinarian, but I found myself shifting gears to pre-med. After facing numerous challenges during my cancer treatment in college, I struggled with my GPA and my graduation timeline. Now, I’m feeling exhausted.
I made the switch to the Physician Assistant track since it’s a shorter path compared to medical school, but I really don’t want to dive into anatomy and physiology during my senior year. I’m currently enrolled in biochemistry and other demanding courses, and I’m at a point where I don’t want to continue with this path. Instead, I’m contemplating focusing my major on environmental biology and genetics—areas I’m genuinely passionate about—rather than sticking with medical biology. I might also consider minoring in photography.
I’m aware that job prospects in these fields aren’t the best, but I feel that prioritizing my mental health is crucial to improving my GPA and actually enjoying my college experience.
Is this a wise decision?
It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and it’s completely understandable to want to prioritize your mental health and find a path that resonates with your passions. Changing your concentration to something like environmental biology and genetics, along with a minor in photography, could be a refreshing shift that allows you to engage with subjects you genuinely love.
It’s crucial to find a balance between pursuing something that excites you and ensuring you have a viable career path. While job opportunities may not be as plentiful in some areas of environmental biology, passion can lead to fulfillment in ways that traditional career paths sometimes don’t. Plus, the skills you gain in your major and minor could open up various avenues, especially if you consider interdisciplinary roles that combine science and visual storytelling.
Remember that it’s okay to take a step back and reassess where you want to go, especially after overcoming significant challenges like battling cancer. Your experience has undoubtedly shaped your perspective, and focusing on what brings you joy and improves your mental well-being is important. Ultimately, this could lead to a more fulfilling college experience and better long-term outcomes for your career, as you’ll be more engaged and motivated in your studies.
If you feel strongly about this change, explore your options with academic advisors and try to align your new focus with any potential career paths that interest you. You deserve to enjoy your time in college and to study what inspires you!